1. Empowering Students With Technology - ISTE Standards
Throughout this school year our blog post will be featuring technology tools that empower student learning. A strong resource for understanding these possibilities comes to us from the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), which has created a student centered set of standards that represent much of Pennridge's focus on technology.
This week's feature: Nearpod
Please remember that you all have access to Nearpod, and although the librarians are covering the important topic of Digital Citizenship, Nearpod is a tool that should still be used in your classroom. By giving your students a 5 digit code, it allows you to control what is on their iPad or laptop, and you can even assign Nearpod codes as self-paced lessons which are perfect for station rotations, small group work, and/or even homework. If you are unsure of your username/password, please contact Erin or Chris at anytime.
- I've created a Nearpod that can help you you explore some of these new features in less than 3 minutes! You'll see the many ways this tool can be used in your classroom in ALL areas! Go to Nearpod.com or log-in to Nearpod on an iPad. At the top, find the area titled "Enter Code". Use the code APMCT. Have fun!
- In addition to the SEL lessons teachers made here in Pennridge, there are lessons Nearpod users have access to that are completely free and editable and will match all curriculum areas. Nearpod is appropriate for all grades, even Kindergarten!
- You can upload an existing Powerpoint into Nearpod easily and add some formative assessment tools.
- Best of all, this data is immediately sent to your account. If it's a live lesson, you can see all student responses as you go. The analytics of each lesson are in your account and can easily be saved and printed at any time!
- Share- As a teacher, you can see all student responses, but if you have a specific student response you want EVERYONE to see, by clicking on the Share button, it will be visible on ALL student devices, too! A Very powerful tool to help all students stay engaged...
- District Library- you can find a lot of resources that Pennridge teachers have added to in our district library. To access you district library, sign-in to Nearpod, click on Explore at the top left, and click District Library. You'll see a screen that looks like this
- Some main Nearpod features (highlighted in the Nearpod I've created)
- Some easily added content can include: PHET simulations, virtual field trips, video, and easily upload any file from your device
- Some easily added activities can include: Open-Ended Questions, Quiz, Draw-It, Collaborate (which is like Padlet), Poll, and Fill-in-the-Blanks
The last 2 posts today are review from past posts, but are beginning of year reminders!
2. Changing your Signature in Microsoft Outlook
If you need to update your signature with a new teacher assignment, new phone number, new website, etc, please follow these steps:- Open Outlook (make sure you are using the App Version, which is found in your start window and titled "Outlook 2016")
- Choose File in the top Left and Scroll to Options.
- Select Mail and Signatures (See image)
- Remember your signature should include your building, your position, your phone number and extension, and any other information you feel would be helpful.
3. Projector Remote
Using main teacher features of your projector remote:
A/V Mute button- This will allow you to put your remote to "sleep" without turning it completely off. This will save time as you go to use it again.- Freeze button- This function allows you to freeze what is on the screen, so that you can go to other sites or prepare other features on your computer before sharing with the students.
- Zoom In/Out. Use this feature to zoom in/out of your screen. This is especially helpful to make certain parts of your presentation enlarged during discussion. Remember to zoom out when done. Note- Mimio Users- this will alter your calibration.
